In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils on oral pathogens

Around 10% of human population worldwide suffers from periodontitis which is caused by the bacteria present in the dental plaque. Dental plaque can be controlled and reduced by daily teeth brushing and the use of antibacterial mouthwash. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) solution is often used as a mouth rinse. However, essential oils with antibacterial properties could be used as an alternative in daily oral care. The goal of the study is to determine in vitro antibacterial effects of essential oils on oral pathogens. Research methods. 43 patients produced samples from periodontal pockets for a bacteriological test. The following bacteria species were grown in vitro: Streptococcus salivarius, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Streptococcus sanguinis, Veillonella parvula, Rothia dentocariosa, Rothia aeria. The antibacterial effectiveness of 100%, 1% and 0,5% concentrated tea tree and carnation essential oils, 16,7% concentrated pelargonium essential oil, 0,02% and 0,05% concentrated CHX solutions and Listerine®MentolTM was assessed by measuring the diameter of the sterile area. The data were processed using SPSS 13 software. The differences were deemed statistically reliable when the deviation was no higher than 5% (p<0,05). Research results. The 100% concentrated tea tree and carnation essential oils had the best antibacterial effects (p<0,05). No significant differences were noted in their effects compared to the 0,05% concentrated CHX solution and Listerine®MentolTM. The antibacterial effects of the 16,7% concentrated pelargonium essential oil, 0,02% concentrated CHX solution, and 1% and 0,5% concentrated tea tree and carnation essential oils were significantly weaker (p